U.S. patent application number 12/924369 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for gaming machine with win announcement.
Invention is credited to Robert Manz.
Application Number | 20110118020 12/924369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30769883 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110118020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manz; Robert |
May 19, 2011 |
Gaming machine with win announcement
Abstract
A game machine having a win announcement feature and a method of
providing an announcement regarding a winning event or outcome of a
game played at a gaming machine are disclosed. One embodiment of a
method comprises providing information regarding a winning event
occurring at a gaming machine, the method including the steps of
presenting a game to a player at a gaming machine, determining if
the outcome of the game is a winning outcome, and if so,
disseminating at the gaming machine a win announcement comprising
information regarding the type of win and the source of the win. A
gaming machine includes a controller configured to generate gaming
machine control information for presenting a game and configured to
generate win announcement information in the event the outcome of a
game presented is a winning outcome, the gaming machine including
at least one device for disseminating the win information.
Inventors: |
Manz; Robert; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Family ID: |
30769883 |
Appl. No.: |
12/924369 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11492540 |
Jul 24, 2006 |
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12924369 |
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10202707 |
Jul 24, 2002 |
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11492540 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3246 20130101;
G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/3227
20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/35 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine having a win announcement feature, said gaming
machine having a name identified at said gaming machine, said
gaming machine comprising at least one controller configured to
generate gaming machine control information for presenting a game
at said gaming machine, said game having a name identified at said
gaming machine, and configured to generate win announcement
information in the event the outcome of a game presented at said
gaming machine is a winning outcome, said gaming machine including
at least one device for disseminating externally audible win
information in response to said generated win announcement
information to persons in a vicinity of the gaming machine, said
win announcement information comprising a first audible alert
followed by audible dissemination of information regarding the
amount or value of an award associated with said winning outcome
and at least one of said name of the game and said name of the
gaming machine comprising the source of said winning outcome in a
manner permitting a patron to identity the gaming machine at which
the award was yielded without being the line of sight of said
machine.
2. The gaming machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
audible win information disseminated by said gaming machine
includes both information identifying the game being played which
resulted in the winning outcome and the gaming machine which
presented said game.
3. The gaming machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at
least one device comprises one or more speakers.
4. The gaming machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
gaming machine includes a main gaming controller and a win
announcement controller, said win announcement controller
configured to generate win announcement information in response to
a signal from said main gaming controller that an outcome of a game
presented at said gaming machine is a winning outcome.
5. A method of providing information regarding a winning event
occurring at a gaming machine comprising the steps of: presenting a
game to a player at a gaming machine, said game having a name
identified at said gaming machine; determining if the outcome of
said game presented to said player is a winning outcome; and if
said outcome is a winning outcome meeting a minimum award threshold
for announcing the win, disseminating at said gaming machine a win
announcement, said win announcement comprising externally audible
information regarding a value of said award for said game win and
said name of the game which was won, said audible information
disseminated at sufficient volume to alert persons in a vicinity of
the gaming machine of said win.
6. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said minimum award
threshold comprises a minimum value of an award for said winning
outcome.
7. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said win
announcement additionally comprises visual information.
8. The method in accordance with claim 5 including the step of
accepting a wager from said player and paying a winning award in
the event said outcome is a winning outcome.
9. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said winning
announcement includes a first audible alert followed by pause,
followed by said audible information.
10. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said type of win
comprises a monetary value.
11. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said source of
the win comprises information sufficient to permit third parties to
identify the gaming machine at which said winning outcome
occurred.
12. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said source of
the win comprises information regarding the name of the game played
which resulted in the winning outcome.
13. The method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said information
comprising said win announcement includes the name of the winner,
the amount of the win and the game played.
14. A gaming machine win announcement system for a casino
comprising two or more gaming machines configured to present
wagering games and having a win announcement, said gaming machines
with win announcement each comprising at least one controller
configured to generate gaming machine control information for
presenting a game, said two or more gaming machines configured to
present different games from one another, each game having a game
name, and said gaming machines configured to generate win
announcement information in the event the outcome of a game
presented at said gaming machine is a winning outcome, said gaming
machines each including at least one device for disseminating
externally audible win information in response to said generated
win announcement information to persons in a vicinity of the gaming
machine with win announcement, said win announcement information
comprising a first audible alert followed by audible dissemination
of information regarding the amount or value of an award associated
with said winning outcome and information identifying the game
which was won by game name, whereby patrons of said casino may
distinguish between winning outcomes of said different games via
said win announcement information and without being in visual
contact with said gaming machines generating said win announcement
information.
15. The gaming machine win notification system in accordance with
claim 14 wherein said win announcement information includes
information regarding a number of winning game results at said
gaming machine.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/492,540, filed Jul. 24, 2006, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/202,707, filed Jul. 24, 2002, now
abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to gaming machines and other
devices arranged to present one or more games and more particularly
to a gaming machine configured to present win information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] While players may play gaming machines for entertainment and
other purposes, the primary goal of all players is to achieve a
winning outcome when playing the machine. In the case of gambling
machines, players place bets in an attempt to achieve a large
winning payout.
[0004] Because players play games for this purpose, gaming machines
are generally configured to provide an indication of a win. For
example, in the event of a win, the number of credits or monies won
may be displayed to the player.
[0005] Casinos also desire that players be provided an indication
of a game win. When a player wins, it further entices the player to
play the game in an attempt to obtain additional game wins.
[0006] In some instances, flashing lights may be used to indicate
to a player that they have received a winning outcome playing the
machine. While such an indication is useful to the player playing
the game, it does not fully serve the desire of the casino to
provide notice to other players or potential players of the win,
which may entice them to play as well.
[0007] A familiar sound at casinos and other gambling
establishments is the sound of coins dropping into the coin tray.
This sound may serve as an indication that someone has received a
winning outcome. However, in many instances it solely represents a
player cashing out. Thus, while the sounds of coins dropping may
have the effect of catching the attention of other players or
prospective players, the sound often does not reach the players and
is not always indicative of a win.
[0008] A means for providing indication of a win which is useful to
both a casino in informing other players and potential players of
the win, and which is informative to the player of the game, is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a gaming machine which includes a
win announcement feature and a method of providing an announcement
regarding a winning event or outcome of a game played at a gaming
machine.
[0010] One embodiment of a method comprises providing information
regarding a winning event occurring at a gaming machine. This
method includes the steps of presenting a game to a player at a
gaming machine, determining if the outcome of the game presented to
the player is a winning outcome, and if the outcome is a winning
outcome, disseminating at the gaming machine a win announcement,
the win announcement comprising information regarding the type of
win and the source of the win.
[0011] In one embodiment, the method is implemented at a gaming
machine including at least one controller. The controller is
configured to generate gaming machine control information for
presenting a game at the gaming machine, and is configured to
generate win announcement information in the event the outcome of a
game presented at the gaming machine is a winning outcome, the
gaming machine including at least one device for disseminating win
information in response to the generated win announcement
information.
[0012] In one embodiment, the win announcement includes both
audible and visual information. In a preferred embodiment, the
method includes the step of first generating an audible alert, such
as the sound of a bell using a speaker of the gaming machine.
Thereafter, the method includes the step of audibly presenting the
win information. The win information may also be displayed
visually, such as by a main game display or secondary "win" or
other display of the gaming machine.
[0013] In the preferred embodiment, the win information comprises
information regarding the type of the win, such as the number of
credits or the monetary value the win. The source of win
information may comprise an identification of the game which was
being played or the gaming machine at which the win occurred.
[0014] In one embodiment, a win announcement is generated only in
response to certain winning outcomes. For example, a win
announcement is generated only in response to winning outcomes
which are less likely to occur than others, or which are associated
with particularly large payouts.
[0015] In one embodiment, the win announcement includes an
identification of the player. For example, the player's identity
may be obtained from a player tracking system.
[0016] In accordance with the invention, a win announcement is
generated which provides information to not only the player of the
gaming machine but other players and patrons in the vicinity of the
gaming machine. The win announcement informs these parties of
information regarding the win, such as the size or type of the win
and its source. In this manner, players and patrons are provided
with useful game play information.
[0017] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed
description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the
attached figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for implementation of
the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of disseminating a win
announcement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is a gaming machine which includes a
win announcement feature and a method of providing win information.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the
present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in
the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0022] In general, the present invention comprises a gaming machine
having a win announcement feature. Upon the occurrence of one or
more winning events or outcomes, certain information pertaining to
the winning event is disseminated. The announcement may include
audible and/or visual information, and preferably includes
information regarding the source of the win and the size of the
win.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a gaming machine
20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In
general, the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present one or more
games for play to a player. As illustrated, the gaming machine 20
comprises a housing or cabinet 22 for supporting and/or housing
various components of the gaming machine 20. In the embodiment
illustrated, the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present a game of
slots and includes one or more rotatable reels 24. In another
embodiment, the gaming machine 20 may be configured as a video-type
machine and include other components, such as a video display.
[0024] Preferably, the gaming machine 20 is configured to present
one or more games to a player dependent upon a player placing a
wager or bet, and in the event the outcome of the game is one or
more predefined winning outcomes, pay the player a winning. As
such, the gaming machine 20 includes a mechanism for accepting a
wager or a bet. As illustrated, a coin acceptor 26 is provided for
accepting coins. The gaming machine 20 also as illustrated includes
a bill acceptor or validator 28 for accepting paper currency. In
one or more embodiments, other mechanisms may be provided for
accepting a wager, such as a card or ticket reader.
[0025] The gaming machines 20 may include a variety of other
components, as are known. For example, the gaming machine 20 may
include a plurality of input devices. These input devices may
include one or more buttons, such as a "play credit" button and/or
a "bet max" button for permitting a player to place wagers from a
pool of credits won or paid by the player. The input devices may
include a "spin reels" button or a pull-type handle for effecting
the spinning of the reels.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, a player is awarded a payout in
the event the outcome of the game is a winning outcome. In one or
more embodiments, the amount of the award is based on the amount
wagered by the player and/or the odds of receiving the particular
outcome. The payout may comprise credit, actual monies or other
items of value or representative of value, such as a ticket or a
physical prize.
[0027] When the player is paid in the form of stored credits, the
number of credits is indicated to the player. A "cash out" button
is preferably provided for permitting a player to be paid the
stored credits. In one embodiment, the means for paying a player
comprises a coin dispenser (not shown) for dispensing coins to a
coin tray 30. A player may also be permitted to be paid their
credits or winnings on a player card in electronic form, such as
via a card reader/writer.
[0028] It should be understood that the gaming machine 20 may be
adapted to present one or more of a wide variety of games.
Depending upon the game presented, the configuration of the machine
may vary. For example, in the event the gaming machine 20 is
adapted to present a game of video poker, the gaming machine 20 may
include a display (not shown) for displaying images of cards and
other information.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gaming
machine 20 includes at least one speaker 32. The at least one
speaker 32 allows for audible information to be presented. As will
be described in greater detail below, in a preferred embodiment,
the at least one speaker 32 allows for a player and other patrons
to receive audible information pertaining to a winning event at the
gaming machine.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 20 preferably
includes a win display 34. In one or more embodiments, the win
display 34 is configured to display information pertaining to a
winning outcome. The information may include, as detailed below,
the name of the player, the amount won, and the name of the game,
among other information. The win display 34 may comprise a wide
variety of devices such as an LCD or LED display, or a CRT display.
The win display 34 may comprise, as illustrated, a secondary
display. This display may have other purposes, such as for use in
displaying player tracking information, jackpot information, or a
secondary or bonus game.
[0031] In one or more embodiments, the video display or displays
used to present the game (such as in the case of a game configured
to present the game of video poker) is also used as the win
display. In another embodiment, the win display may be located
remotely from the gaming machine. For example, the win display may
comprise a central overhead display located adjacent to a single
gaming machine or a plurality of gaming machines In another
embodiment, a win display may be located at both the gaming machine
and at another remote location.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the term gaming machine as used
herein may apply to a variety of devices other than a gaming
machine as illustrated in FIG. 1. That is in one or more
embodiments, the term gaming machine may apply to a wide variety of
devices or systems that are adapted to present a game to a player.
For example, the device may comprise an arcade game, or a computing
device configured to present a game, such as a player's home
computer which is connected to a game server by a communication
link. The gaming machine may be of the upright, bar-top or other
variety, and may be located in a casino or other location. In one
or more embodiments, the gaming machine need not be configured to
pay winnings.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 20 is
configured to generate a win announcement upon the occurrence of a
winning event. The win announcement provides information pertaining
to the winning event. Preferably, the information is provided both
audibly and visually.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machine is configured
to generate an alert before presenting the winning announcement.
Preferably, the alert is followed by a silent pause before the
announcement is made. This allows for all those within ear shot of
the alert to focus their attention on the gaming machine before the
winning information is presented. In one or more embodiments, the
alert may comprise a variety of sounds including a bell or a
whistle.
[0035] As is well known, gaming machines are generally
electronically controlled. Even the mechanically rotating reels 24
are electronically controlled. In such a configuration, the
stopping position of the reels 24 is determined by a random number
generator, with motors/brakes used to spin and stop the reels in
the random positions determined by the random number generator.
Such as principal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 to
Telnaes.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 20 includes a
master gaming controller 40. In general, the master gaming
controller 40 is configured to generate information for controlling
the operation of the gaming machine 20, including the various
peripheral devices such as buttons, reels 24, etc. for the included
purposes of presenting a game.
[0037] One embodiment of a master gaming controller 40 is
illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming controller 40 may have, however,
a variety of configurations other than that illustrated. In one
embodiment, the controller 40 includes a processor or processing
device 41. In general, the processing device comprises a device
capable of executing readable program code or data. In another
embodiment, the processing device may comprise hardware which
embodies the program code or data.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, program code for use by the
processing device 41 may be stored in a memory 43 or other
information storage device for storing data. The processing device
41 and memory 43 are in communication with one another. In one
embodiment, the processing device 41 and memory 43 are linked by a
common system bus 45. The operation of the bus 45 is well
known.
[0039] As detailed, the controller 40 is configured to control the
various peripheral devices of the gaming machine 20. As such, in a
preferred embodiment, the processing device 41 is preferably
capable of receiving information or data from the peripherals, and
send information or data, such as instructions, to those devices.
As illustrated, in one or more embodiments, the coin acceptor 26
and bill validator 28 communicate with the processing device 41 via
the bus 45. The other peripherals, such as the reels 24 and/or a
video display 44 are coupled to the bus 45.
[0040] As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, the gaming
machine 20 includes a win display 34. This win display 34 is also
associated with the controller 40, and more particularly, the
processing device 42. This association permits the controller 40,
upon a winning event, to cause the win display 34 to display
information pertaining to the winning event.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one speaker 32 is
also associated with the controller 40. This association permits
the controller 40 upon a winning event to cause the at least one
speaker 32 to present audible win information.
[0042] It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, the
gaming controller 40 of the gaming machine 20 is specifically
configured to implement the method of the present invention. In
this regard, machine readable program code may be provided, such as
stored in memory, for this purpose. In another embodiment, the
processor may be specifically configured to implement all or a
portion of the method. The gaming controller 40 is configured to
determine if a winning event has occurred and, if so, generate win
announcement information. This information is used by information
disseminating devices (i.e., speaker 32/display 34) to present win
information.
[0043] In another embodiment, the gaming machine 20 may be
configured to include a win announcement controller (not shown). In
this configuration, a separate win announcement controller may be
provided in communication with the master gaming controller 40. The
win announcement controller may comprise software and/or hardware,
such as a processor and memory for storing executable code. In this
embodiment, the win display 34 and/or device or devices for
presenting the other win announcement may be associated with the
win announcement controller. In response to a signal from the
master gaming controller 40, the separate win announcement
controller may be configured to generate win announcement
information. An example of a method of implementing the method of
the invention using such a win announcement controller is described
in more detail below.
[0044] In one embodiment, the master gaming controller 40 (or win
announcement controller) may be associated with a player tracking
system or other system. For example, the master gaming controller
40 may be associated with a security or game service system. This
system may include one or more remote devices, such as one or more
remote servers, such as for generating and transmitting game
implementing software. These devices may be placed in communication
with the master gaming controller 40 via a communication interface
at the gaming machine 20. The communication interface may couple to
the bus 45. A communication link, such as a wired or wireless link,
is provided between the communication interface and the remote
device, such as a communication interface of a remote server.
[0045] The player tracking system may comprise a system for
tracking aspects of a player's game play at the gaming machine 20.
The system may include one or more devices located at the gaming
machine 20 itself, such as a media reader. The media reader may
comprise, for example, a magnetic stripe card reader for reading
information from a magnetic stripe of a player card. The reader may
utilize information obtained from the player's media, such as
player tracking card. This information may be transmitted to the
remote host, such as a player tracking system host, to obtain
information regarding the player of the gaming machine 20, and to
track information regarding the player's play provided by the
gaming machine.
[0046] A method in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. In a step
S1 a player provides value to a gaming machine, such as by
inserting coins, currency/bills, swiping a credit card, or the
like. In one embodiment, this value is represented as "credits"
which the player may utilize. Next, in a step S2, the player places
a bet or wager. In one or more embodiments, this may be
accomplished by the player depressing one or more times a bet
credit button, or a bet max button or other input.
[0047] In a step S3, a game is presented to a player and the player
plays the game. In one embodiment, a player may be permitted to
select among a variety of games to play. Once a game is selected
and a bet or wager is placed, the game is presented to the player.
The play of the game, as is well known in the art, may require
various inputs by a player.
[0048] In a step S4, it is determined whether the outcome of the
game is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, this step comprises
comparing the outcome to one or more predetermined winning
outcomes. The predetermined winning outcomes may depend on a
variety of factors, including the type of game played and the
desired odds of receiving winning outcomes.
[0049] If in a step S5 if it is determined that the player has not
received a winning event, the player is presented with the option
to play the game again. If the player chooses to play again, the
method starts over at steps S1 or S2 (depending if the player has
remaining credits).
[0050] In a step S6, if it is determined that a winning outcome
occurred, a winning announcement is generated and presented or
disseminated. In one embodiment, the step of generating and
presenting the winning announcement is implemented by the master
gaming controller 40 of the gaming machine 20 configured as
detailed above.
[0051] In one embodiment, a winning announcement is generated and
presented in response to each/any winning outcome. In another
embodiment, a winning announcement is generated and presented in
response to only particular winning outcomes. For example, in one
embodiment, a minimum winning may be required or a minimum wager
may be necessary before a winning outcome becomes one which
triggers a win announcement. By way of further example, in the case
of video poker, a winning outcome which pays an amount equal to the
player's wager may be received if the player receives a pair of
Jacks. This winning outcome is received with the highest frequency
of all of the winning outcomes. In one embodiment, only outcomes
comprising higher poker hands, such as Straights, Flushes or the
like may trigger a win announcement.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the win announcement comprises
both audible and visual information. In one embodiment, audible
information may be presented through the at least one speaker 32 of
the gaming machine 20 configured as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0053] In one or more embodiments, the information is visually
displayed, such as using a main display or a win display of the
gaming machine. The information displayed may comprise more or less
information than the information that is audibly announced.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the winning announcement includes
an initial audible alert. This alert may comprise, for example, the
generation and dissemination of the sound of a bell, whistle or the
like. This sound may be generated by one or more speakers. In
another embodiment, the gaming machine may be provided with a bell
or the like. In this configuration, a first audible alert is
generated and disseminated which is used to gain the attention of
players and patrons within the vicinity of the gaming machine where
the winning event occurred.
[0055] Preferably, the win announcement comprises an announcement
after the alert. In this embodiment, there is a pause between the
alert and the announcement.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the win announcement comprises
the presentation of information regarding the nature, type, or size
of the win and source of the win. In another embodiment, the win
announcement may comprise or include the name or identification of
the player. One embodiment of a win announcement comprises the
visual display and audible presentation of this information.
[0057] Various embodiments of win announcements are set forth
below:
[0058] "Congratulations! Another winner on the (name of gaming
machine)." For example, "Congratulations! Another winner on the
Super Cherries gaming machine."
[0059] "Congratulations (name) is a winner of (number of credits or
monetary value) on the (name of gaming machine)." For example, in
this embodiment, the win announcement might be as follows:
"Congratulations John Doe is a winner of $1000.00 on the Super
Cherries gaming machine."
[0060] "$(value) winner on the (name) game." For example, "$100.00
winner on the Super Cherries game."
[0061] "Congratulations, you are the (number) winner of a $500
jackpot on the Super Cherries game." For example, "Congratulations,
you are the 800.sup.th winner of a $500 jackpot on the Super
Cherries game."
[0062] In the preferred embodiment, the win announcement comprises
information regarding the amount of the win, such as the number of
credits or the monetary value of the win. In the preferred
embodiment, the win announcement also comprises information
regarding the source of the win, either the particular game played
or the gaming machine played. For example, the source of win
information may comprise the name of the game played or the name of
the gaming machine. The source of win information may also comprise
or include information regarding the location of the machine.
[0063] The win announcement may include or comprise other
information. For example, as detailed above, the win announcement
may provide information regarding how many wins have been received
total, or over a specific period of time. For example,
"Congratulations, you are the 50.sup.th winner of a Royal Flush
this month on Jacks or Better Video Poker."
[0064] Preferably, the win information is presented audibly, and
sufficiently loud that other player/patrons in the vicinity of the
gaming machine receive the information. The exact loudness may
depend on a variety of circumstances/factors. Preferably, however,
player/patrons many feet away (at least 20-100 feet) are capable of
receiving the information.
[0065] In the preferred embodiment, the win announcement comprises
a means for informing players and patrons other than the player of
the gaming machine who just received the winning outcome of that
winning outcome. Thus, the win announcement preferably comprises
visual and/or audible information which reaches these other
parties, and which provides them information which allows them to
identify that a win has resulted and the source of the win (i.e.,
particular gaming machine or game played).
[0066] The method of the invention may apply to any gaming machine,
and to any win or similar event at a gaming machine. Thus, the
invention applies to different types of gaming machines and gaming
machines presenting different games. For example, the gaming
machine may be configured to present the game of video poker, slots
or other games. Preferably, the win announcement in accordance with
the invention is specifically tailored to the particular gaming
machine or game which was played at the gaming machine which
yielded the winning event. For example, in the case of a video
poker gaming machine, the win announcement may be "Congratulations,
another Four of a Kind win of $200 on Double Double Poker."
[0067] In one or more embodiments, the winning announcement may be
presented more than once. In one embodiment, the visual information
is left on the win display until the next winning event. For
example, list of winners may be displayed or the name of the game
that had the winning event may be listed. Of course it is
contemplated that other information may be displayed, such as
winners or winning events based upon a variety of criteria
including by game or game type (including multiplier, line, option
buy, section of device, denomination or entire casino). In another
embodiment, listings of winning events are displayed at the win
display for a specific amount of Jul. 18, 2002, time or for a
specific number of winning events.
[0068] It is also contemplated that the win announcement may vary.
The announcement may vary dependent upon the winning outcome which
is received, the time it is received or the like.
[0069] In one or more embodiments, the winning announcement may
apply even when the winnings awarded are not monies. For example,
casinos often reward players for playing a game associated with the
gaming machine for long periods of time or for wagering certain
amounts with complimentary awards ("comps") of free or reduced cost
goods and/or services (i.e. food, motel room, credits for play at
the gaming machine). In one embodiment, an announcement would be
generated in recognition of such a reward. For example,
"Congratulations, you have just won two free nights' stay playing
the Super Cherries Machine." In this regard, the winning
announcement may be disseminated when the winning event is other
than a "game win," but includes events where other awards are
provided.
[0070] As indicated, in one embodiment, the player's name may be
presented in the win announcement. The player's name may be
obtained, for example, using a player tracking system in a manner
described in greater detail above. In another embodiment, the
player's name may not be available, and then the win announcement
need not include the player's name.
[0071] In a step S7, the player is paid his/her winnings, and in a
step S8, the player is presented with the option to play the game
again.
[0072] As indicated, the method of the invention may be presented
on a gaming machine such as gaming machine 20 described above and
illustrated in FIG. 1. The method of the invention may be presented
in other manners and using other devices.
[0073] The method and gaming machine in accordance with the present
invention have numerous advantages. First, in accordance with the
invention, information regarding winning outcomes at a gaming
machine is provided. The manner by which the information is
provided disseminates the information to not only the player of the
gaming machine, but other players and patrons in the vicinity of
the gaming machine. In a preferred embodiment, the information is
presented audibly, and thus reaches players which may not be in the
line of sight with the win display or other display of the gaming
machine.
[0074] In the preferred embodiment, the invention has specific
advantages relating to the particular information which is
disseminated. In particular, the information permits players and
patrons to identify the size of the win, as well as the source of
the win. The source may comprise a particular gaming machine or a
particular type of game presented on a gaming machine.
[0075] The invention has particular advantages to players and
patrons. In accordance with the invention, players and patrons are
informed that a particular gaming machine or a particular game is
yielding winning outcomes. This allows a player or patron to
identify a gaming machine or game which they may desire to play to
improve their probability of winning. In this regard, it is noted
that various gaming machines are often configured to have different
rates of payout or return. It is very difficult for a player to
determine the difference in the rate of return. In accordance with
the present invention, a player is presented with information
regarding winning outcomes, and therefore can determine that a
particular machine or particular game is yielding winnings more
often.
[0076] The invention also has advantages to the casino. In
accordance with the invention, the fact that winning events are
occurring is announced to players and patrons. This furthers player
and patron desire to play the gaming machines.
[0077] Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. In one
embodiment, the win announcement or winning event information may
be disseminated through central displays or sound systems with
which one or more gaming machines are associated. For example, win
information resulting from the play of a number of machines may be
presented through a central casino sound system. The win
information may be generated at the gaming machine and transmitted
to the system, such as via a network. Alternatively, the win
information may be generated remotely in response to a win signal
from a gaming machine.
[0078] In some embodiments, game play information may be generated
remotely and be transmitted to the gaming machine. For example, a
remote server may generate and transmit game play information to
remote gaming machine. In such configuration, the win information
may also be generated remotely and then be transmitted to the
gaming machine presentation.
[0079] In one embodiment, the win announcement feature may be
implemented at a gaming machine which is associated with a group of
machines that are linked together. For example, winning information
pertaining to a winner of a tournament may be presented at one or
more of the linked gaming machines. A winning announcement may be
provided to the players of all linked gaming machines when a player
at one of those machines wins a linked jackpot. As detailed above,
the win announcement may include the player's name (such as
obtained from a player tracking or entry system).
[0080] As described above, the winning game or event which triggers
the win announcement may vary. As one example, the win event may
comprise the award of a complimentary award based on other than a
winning game outcome. As another example, some gaming machines
present games having a main game and a bonus event. The bonus event
may comprise the display of a game on another screen, the spin of a
bonus reel or wheel or the like. Other games include sub-games, or
a different "game within the main game." An announcement may be
generated and disseminated in the event that a player qualifies for
play of a bonus event or the play of a sub-game. For example, if a
player receives a particular symbol or group of symbols which
entitles the player to payout or to participate in a bonus event,
the win announcement may be provided. In another embodiment, the
win announcement may be triggered by winning bonus game or sub-game
associated with the underlying game presented at the gaming
machine.
[0081] It will be understood that the above described arrangements
of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of
applications of the principles of this invention and many other
embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
* * * * *